Captions and Transcripts

Questions

  • Do I need to caption videos published on Bowdoin webpages?
  • What is Bowdoin's captioning policy?
  • How accurate do captions need to be?
  • Do audio-only files need a transcript?
  • How do I add captions to a YouTube video?
  • How do I caption a Panopto video?
  • Can I send a video out to be professionally captioned?
  • How do I get a transcript from a Zoom recording?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin website editors and anyone publishing video or audio content on Bowdoin webpages or platforms. It summarizes Bowdoin's captioning expectations and the tools available to create captions and transcripts.

Resolution

Bowdoin's captioning policy

Under Bowdoin's captioning policy (effective July 1, 2020), video content published for the Bowdoin community should include accurate captions, and audio-only content should be accompanied by a transcript.

Accuracy matters. Captions should be at least 99% accurate. Automatically generated captions are a starting point, not a finished product — always review and correct them before publishing.

Tools for creating captions

YouTube

YouTube can generate automatic captions, but they must be reviewed and edited for accuracy, punctuation, and speaker names before you rely on them.

Panopto

Panopto can add captions to videos hosted in Bowdoin's Panopto library. Sign in at panopto.bowdoin.edu. For help captioning a Panopto video, contact Paul Benham in Academic Technology and Consulting.

Rev (professional captioning)

For professional, high-accuracy captions or transcripts, videos can be sent to Rev. Turnaround is typically about five business days. To arrange professional captioning, contact Juli Haugen.

Zoom

Zoom can automatically transcribe cloud recordings, which you can then edit and use as captions or a transcript. Sign in with your Bowdoin account at bowdoin.zoom.us and enable audio transcription for cloud recordings.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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